a divergence...on pencils

I know I am supposed to be focused on poverty, but I couldn't help but write a small bit about pencils. Until this morning, when I was forced by circumstances to write notes with a pencil, I had forgotten the beauties of the invention referred to as the PENCIL. My life has been complemented heavily by the computer, so the pencil has been a thing forgotten. Yesterday I took a test that required a No. 2 pencil, and I loved the physicalness of the experience. This morning, I read three chapters and jotted notes down on another piece of paper with a pencil. The strokes were somewhat uneven, but basically predictable. The shades differed on the page, and the weight of my hand had to balance the sharp part of the point with the pencil's forever-ending sharpness. It was a lovely experience. So real, so "rustic."

As an English major, I have before extolled the virtues of the pencil, but with this new degree, I have since forgotten those virtues. However, in this divergent fit, I encourage all of you to return to the pleasure of writing with a No. 2, recently sharpened, yellow pencil (with a good eraser, of course). Marvel in the innovative power of that small invention; try writing upside down with it; try smudging it on the page. Just revel in the experience! And then you can return to the world of wordprocessing, where uneven lines and creative letters are systematized into cookie-cutter creations.

Oh, and then think about how you can help someone today have greater satisfaction in life. Pass along the joy.